Key Skills Kindergarten Teaches Kids that prepares them for School  (from an OT’s Perspective!)

Starting Kindy this year?

If you’re a parent gearing up for your child to head off to kindergarten, you might be wondering what exactly they’re going to be learning that’ll help them prepare for “big school.”

As an occupational therapist (OT), I’m always excited to see how little ones grow during their kindergarten year. It’s such a fun and important time for developing skills they’ll need for school and life.

Let me share a few things that will give your child the confidence to take on school!  

Note: Occupational Therapists support children’s development across a range of areas that help them participate in home & school life. The information in this blog is based on that developmental perspective, looking at the foundational building blocks for learning.

Fine Motor Skills

Getting Hands-on

Kindergarten is all about strengthening those fine motor skills — the small, precise movements that help kids with everything from holding a pencil to using scissors. During their year in kindy, kids practice activities like drawing, cutting, and even playing with playdough or building blocks. These activities help build the hand-eye coordination they’ll need for writing, fastening buttons, and eventually tying shoes.

 

Independence

Learning to Do Things on Their Own

A big part of kindergarten is helping kids become more independent. From getting their own snacks to putting on jackets or managing their personal belongings, these small tasks build up their self-esteem and confidence. For many kids, this is the first time they’re given more responsibility, and it’s so exciting to see them rise to the challenge! 

 

Social Skills

Making New Friends

Sharing toys, taking turns, listening to friends, and resolving little conflicts all take practice. These social skills are crucial for building friendships and feeling confident in group settings. By the end of the year, your child will have had lots of practice interacting with classmates and teachers, which makes the transition to school a little easier!

 

Gross Motor Skills

Running, Jumping, and Climbing

While fine motor skills are important, so are gross motor skills! These are the big movements like running, jumping, climbing, and balancing. Most kindergartens have outdoor play areas where kids can ride tricycles, jump in puddles, or even climb jungle gyms. All of this helps develop strength, coordination, and body awareness, which are important for school activities, like sitting at a desk, carrying a backpack, or playing with their friends on the playground.

 

Listening and Following Directions

Listening is a huge part of language development and kindergarten also introduces kids to more structured activities where they need to follow instructions. Whether it’s following a multi-step direction like “pick up the blocks, put them in the basket, and then wash your hands” or paying attention to a story being read aloud, children start to improve their listening skills.  This skill is especially important in school where children need to listen to instructions, understand the content of lessons, and respond appropriately. Following directions is something they’ll use all through school, and the practice they get in kindy is key!

 

Problem-Solving

Figuring Things Out

Kindergarten helps kids develop their problem-solving skills. They’ll be encouraged to think critically — whether it’s figuring out how to build a tall tower out of blocks or deciding how to fix a problem with a friend. This ability to think through problems and come up with solutions is a huge part of school success, especially as the challenges get a bit more complex!

 

Self-Regulation

Managing Emotions

Kindy is a great place for kids to work on managing their emotions. They learn how to take deep breaths, ask for help, or even take a short break when they’re feeling overwhelmed. The emotional tools they develop during this year help them navigate the ups and downs of school life, and it’s one of the most important life skills they’ll take with them into Prep.

 

So, what does all this mean for your child?

By the time they finish kindergarten, they’ll have built a strong foundation of skills in social interaction, independence, fine motor abilities, and emotional regulation. These skills not only set them up for success in school but also help them feel confident and ready to take on the challenges ahead.

As an OT, it’s amazing to see kids grow and develop during their kindy year. I always say, if you want your child to thrive in school, make sure they have the opportunity to play, move, create, and practice these everyday life skills — and kindergarten is the perfect place for that!

 

Written by Helena Manicaros, 2024 (Occupational Therapist)
References:
Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment. (2020). Early Childhood Education: School Readiness. Retrieved from https://www.education.gov.au/early-childhood-education.
Bennett, J., & Branson, J. (2018). Supporting School Readiness: The Role of Kindergarten Teachers in Early Childhood Education. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 43(9), 28-42. https://doi.org/10.14221/ajte.2018v43n9.3
Dockett, S., & Perry, B. (2013). Children’s Experiences in the First Year of School: The Role of Kindergarten. Australian Journal of Educational and Developmental Psychology, 13(2), 68-82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aedp.2013.04.002
Tayler, C., & Margetts, K. (2020). Early Childhood Education and School Readiness: Interventions for Academic and Social Success. International Journal of Early Childhood, 52(1), 53-67. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13158-020-00262-5